Guitar Stop® was originally started in 1962 by Edward Oster

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The name was changed to GUITAR STOP® in 1998 to better reflect the store's focus.  

Central Sales Company 1962-1987

Edward Oster started Central Sales Company in 1962.  He was an entrepreneur in the true sense of the word.  Ed graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelors degree in English and got his Masters from Rutgers University.  Ed started his professional career in the 1950's as a driving instructor, the driving school was located under an Insurance Agency.   It seemed to him that the Insurance Agency was more profitable and less hazardous to his health than teaching people how to drive.

Ed got his Broker's License and started Oster Auto Insurance Agency in 1952.  At that time, all Auto Insurance policies in Massachusetts renewed in January. The majority of the year was very slow, waiting for policies to come up for renewal. He decided to sell used typewriters and adding machines while he was waiting for the busy season for Auto Insurance. The retail side of his business continued to grow, used TV's, stereos, cameras and jewelry were soon added to his inventory.  

Ed named the business Central Sales Company because the store was located in Central Square, Cambridge MA.   In 1962, Ed bought and sold his first Guitar, an Aria Acoustic. It was the beginning of his musical instrument inventory. The small store quickly became full of used instruments, several rows of Guitars were hung from the ceiling. Central Sales Co. was the type of place you could find any used item you were looking for, no matter how obscure.

Ed brought his 5 children into the store to work with him, beginning from the time they were old enough to see over the counter. In September of 1986, he passed away from a short battle with cancer. Ed's daughter Jeanne purchased Central Sales Co. from his estate.   In March of 1987, six months after Ed passed away, the landlord of the store front requested Central Sales Co, to relocate.  

In May of 1987, Central Sales Company found a new home at 1702 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge between Porter Square and Harvard Square.  Once in the new location, Jeanne decided to concentrate solely on Musical Instruments and accessories, changing the name to Central Sales Music Co.   A lesson program and a sheet music department were added along with becoming an authorized dealer for Cordoba®, Fender®, Grestch®, Squier®, Traveler® and Washburn®; and an authorized amplifier dealer for Fender® and Roland® 

Guitar Stop relocated to 1760 Massachusetts Ave on June 27, 1999

Guitar Stop remains a family business, Jeanne Oster is the proprietor, her sister Annette is the Retail Manager & Lesson Program Coordinator and Alex (Annette's son) is the third generation to work in the store; teaching private music lessons, along with retail sales and service.  

We are a neighborhood music store, combining small store service with a wide selection of instruments and accessories.  We provide set-ups and minor repairs 7 days a week.    Our lesson program consists of private instruction by professional musicians available every day.   We enjoy helping new players choose their first instrument, and helping more advance players choose their next guitar.